Montrose football wins cross-class showdown against Palisade
In a cross-classification matchup of ranked teams, 4A No. 5 Montrose shut out 3A No. 6 Palisade.
Montrose built up a 14-0 halftime lead en route to a 21-0 victory at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction.
“Very pleased with the way our defense played,” Montrose coach Brett Mertens said. “They were dominant tonight and made up for some offensive mistakes. It was a great team win and we are very proud of our kids.”
Added Palisade coach Joe Ramunno: “Total dominance by Montrose. Start to finish.”
After a scoreless first quarter, Emmert Kastendieck went 23 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter for a 7-0 lead.
Later in the same quarter, Keagan Goodwin found Kastendieck for a 25-yard passing score. That held up for the 14-0 halftime lead.
The third quarter was scoreless.
In the fourth quarter, Cole Simmons scored from one yard out with 4:43 to play, sealing the win.
“The line blocked really well,” said Kastendieck, a senior. “The rest of the backs had really good fakes.”
“The defense played lights and we really played well on both sides of the ball,” senior linebacker Ben Robuck added. “I’m really proud of how hard everyone is working and playing. We still have room to improve on both sides of the ball. I’m looking forward to continue playing with my team.”
